The Volkswagen Beetle has been recalled over a potential problem if the car is involved in a rear-end impact accident.

The recall affects examples the current-shape Volkswagen Beetle fitted with torsion beam rear suspension. According to Volkswagen Australia, only model year 2013 vehicles are affected, as 2014 models (sold locally from September last year) adopted a multi-link rear suspension.

According the official recall notice posted on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's website, 967 examples are affected by the fault. The notice states: "the trailing arm of the rear torsion crank axle can break as a result of damage caused from impact to the vehicle such as a rear-end collision, or impact with the edge of a kerb".

If such an impact occurs and the trailing arm is broken, it "may lead to immediate loss of vehicle control, posing an accident hazard to the driver and other road users".

Volkswagen Australia will contact affected owners, but the company is urging any concerned parties to contact their local Volkswagen service centre or contact their customer care team on 1800 607 822.